Breaking barriers and setting new standards, Cassandra Shankman—better known as DJ Cassandra—has officially cemented her place in Austin’s music history. The genre-blending maestro became the first woman to take home the prestigious Best DJ title at the 43rd Annual Austin Music Awards. This groundbreaking achievement not only highlights her artistry but also signals a shift in the city’s dynamic and ever-evolving music scene.

A classically trained pianist turned DJ, Cassandra has redefined the art of mixing, seamlessly fusing multi-genre and global sounds into high-energy performances that captivate audiences. Over the years, she has shared stages with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Willie Nelson, Chromeo, Portugal. The Man, Orville Peck, RUN DMC, Blake Shelton, Maren Morris, and Teddy Swims. Her impressive versatility has made her a sought-after DJ for major brands and events, such as SXSW, The Recording Academy/GRAMMYs, Formula 1, Google, Coach, Gucci, Teen Vogue, Apple TV+, and Adidas.

Beyond her electrifying sets, DJ Cassandra is a force for change in the music industry. She currently serves as a Governor on The Recording Academy’s Texas Chapter Board, advocating for artist rights and supporting emerging talent. A dedicated mentor, she has guided students at The University of Texas at Austin’s Bridging Disciplines Program and champions music education through GRAMMY Career Day. Furthering her impact, she co-founded Picardy, a revolutionary web app designed to make music theory more accessible to aspiring artists of all backgrounds.

"Music has the power to heal and bring people together," DJ Cassandra shared. "Winning this award is not just a personal milestone—it’s a win for every artist pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes. Austin’s creative community thrives on collaboration and innovation, and I’m honored to be part of this movement."

 DJ Cassandra/Photo Credit: Keelyn Costello
 

Her influence extends beyond traditional music spaces. As a pioneer in Biomedical Music™, Cassandra has developed therapeutic compositions that help individuals with neurological conditions regain mobility. Her groundbreaking work has already impacted over 3 million users worldwide, earning recognition in esteemed medical journals like Frontiers in Neurology - Movement Disorders and at major conferences such as SXSW and Dell World Technologies Conference.

DJ Cassandra’s commitment to social impact is just as powerful as her music. She organized "Listening Sessions for LA," a grassroots benefit concert that raised over $15,000 to support victims of the LA wildfires. Held at the legendary Antone’s Nightclub, the event brought together 40+ musicians, DJs, and local businesses, with proceeds benefiting MusiCares, Direct Relief, and Pasadena Humane. Her ability to mobilize the community and create real-world impact showcases the transformative power of music.

Looking ahead, DJ Cassandra’s schedule is packed with major performances and mentoring engagements. Fresh off her set at NASCAR at COTA, she will bring her high-energy sound to the Sips & Sounds Music Festival on March 8 at Auditorium Shores. She is also set to be an official mentor at SXSW 2025 on March 11, guiding aspiring artists in marketing, live events, startups, and audio production. Additionally, she will be performing at exclusive Kendra Scott events, with more exciting announcements to come.

With no signs of slowing down, DJ Cassandra is proving that music is more than just sound—it’s a movement. Her historic win at the Austin Music Awards is not just a celebration of her career but a defining moment for female artists in the DJ industry. As she continues to break barriers and inspire change, one thing is clear: the beat goes on, and DJ Cassandra is leading the way.